" Last Star Standing (Feb. 18, 2021)

It's set in the near future - 2094 - and follows an alien invasion - so it HAS to be marketed as science fiction - but it's really about the narrator's tough, terrifying, but ultimately life-affirming personal journey.

The book hit me, about three years ago, when I was meditating. This is something I do very badly! - but I have had amazing experiences - swirling colours, images - and, in this case, a character.

I found myself looking down, from the Earth's surface, about a hundred metres, down a metallic shaft, at a young man imprisoned in a metal chair.

It was Aiden, my narrator, and - from that bizarre introduction - he wouldn't leave me alone.

With sinking heart I realised that I was being asked to write - at least technically - science fiction, of which I'd read exactly three - 1984, Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go and The Handmaid's Tale.

The idea was crazy and I fought it tooth and nail.

But Aiden fought back. He wanted his book to happen. He wanted to BE.

And - long story short - he won! It's jst been published.

If you read it, I hope you enjoy it.

If you enjoy it, I hope you review it.

And I very, VERY much hope, in these tough times, it really does offer a little escape!

Spaulding Taylor "

― , Last Star Standing